Are all Lexus UX made in Japan?
No. The Lexus UX is produced in more than one country, including Japan and, for specific markets, locally in other countries, depending on model year and demand.
Global production footprint
The production locations for the Lexus UX are distributed across a global network. While Japan remains a significant source for many units, regional manufacturing arrangements allow for local assembly in some markets to meet demand and logistics considerations.
- Japan — Core production for many UX models destined for Japanese customers and some export markets.
- China — Localized assembly for the Chinese market through the Toyota/Lexus joint-venture network where applicable.
- Other regions — Depending on market needs and supply chains, some units may be produced or finished in facilities outside Japan to serve local customers.
In practice, this means the Lexus UX does not come exclusively from a single country of origin. Buyers should verify the exact production site for their vehicle using official documentation.
How to verify your Lexus UX’s country of origin
If you want to confirm where a specific vehicle was built, use these steps. They apply regardless of the market you’re in.
- Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the dashboard or the driver’s door jamb label.
- Review the VIN’s plant code (the character that identifies where the vehicle was assembled) and cross-check with Lexus/TOTYOTA’s published mappings for that model year.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney label) for the stated country of manufacture.
Having both the VIN plant code and the window sticker provides the most reliable confirmation of a specific Lexus UX’s origin.
The role of the GA-K platform
The Lexus UX shares engineering with Toyota’s GA-K platform, which enables flexible production across multiple plants while supporting front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. This platform approach helps justify regional assembly in some markets to optimize supply chains and delivery times.
Summary
The Lexus UX is not exclusively manufactured in Japan. Its production is spread across Japan and, in some markets, localized in other countries to meet regional demand. To know the exact origin of a particular UX, check the VIN’s plant code and the vehicle’s window sticker, or ask a Lexus dealer for confirmation.
How to tell if a Lexus IS built in Japan?
You can tell if a Lexus was built in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. A "J" at the beginning of the VIN indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. Alternatively, you can look at the sticker in the driver's side door jamb, which may explicitly state the manufacturing location.
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Find the VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb.
- Check the first character: The first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin.
- Look for "J": If the VIN starts with the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan.
- Other letters: Other letters or numbers at the start of the VIN indicate manufacturing in other countries. For example, a "2" or "5" can mean the vehicle was assembled in North America (Canada or the U.S.).
Using the door jamb sticker
- Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb.
- Read the label: This sticker often contains a phrase like "Manufactured by Honda in Japan" or "Built in Japan by Honda," leaving no doubt about its assembly point.
Is Lexus discontinuing the UX?
Yes, Lexus is discontinuing the UX, with production of the fully electric UX 300e ending in November 2025. Reports indicate that the hybrid and gasoline versions are also being phased out, with production ending in 2026, and a new hybrid version is likely to be developed to take its place. This is part of a larger product lineup refresh as Lexus shifts towards more electrified models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the discontinuation of the Lexus UX: 58sLSFTYouTube · Dec 27, 2024
- Electric model: The fully electric UX 300e will have its production end in November 2025.
- Hybrid/Gasoline models: The gasoline and hybrid versions are also being discontinued, with production expected to end in the 2025 fiscal year (March 2026).
- Replacement: A new hybrid version of the UX is likely in development, though a direct successor has not been officially announced. The new model is expected to be part of a broader strategy to simplify the product lineup and move towards electrification.
This video shows the features of the new 2026 Lexus UX: 48sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Which Lexus models are made in Japan?
Many Lexus models are made in Japan, including the LS, IS, GX, RC, LX, and LC, although some models like the RX, ES, and NX also have production plants in the U.S. and Canada. Specific Japanese plants, such as Tahara and Kyushu, manufacture different models to meet global demand.
Lexus models primarily made in Japan
- LS: Tahara plant
- IS: Tahara, Kyushu, and Miyata plants
- GX: Tahara plant
- RC: Tahara plant
- LX: Yoshiwara and Tahara plants
- LC: Motomachi plant
Models with production in both Japan and North America
- RX: Produced in Japan (Kyushu) and Canada
- ES: Produced in Japan (Kyushu and Miyata) and the USA
- NX: Produced in Japan (Kyushu)
- UX: Produced in Japan (Kyushu)
How to tell if your Lexus was made in Japan
- Check the VIN. A VIN that starts with the letter "J" indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Japan.
Where is Lexus UX manufactured?
The Lexus UX is primarily made in Japan at the Toyota Motor Kyushu plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka. Some models sold in specific markets, like Malaysia, may be locally assembled (CKD).
- Primary manufacturing: The main production location is the Toyota Motor Kyushu plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan.
- Market-specific assembly: Some vehicles for certain regions, such as Malaysia, are assembled locally after being manufactured in Japan, according to PCauto.
